2017 Chevy Silverado HD
Chevrolet's all-new patented air intake
system will drive cool, dry air into the the truck's Duramax diesel unit for
sustained performance and cooler temperatures during difficult conditions.
The change is
marked by a large functional hood scoop which in turn helps the engine receive
about 60% of its air during running. According to Chevy, this way, the air is
very close to the outside ambient temperature and a lot cooler than if sourced
from underneath the hood - which in turn allows the Duramax diesel to maintain
full power and speed even when pulling a trailer or any other heavy object.
Also, at highway speed, a ram-air effect
helps pack more air into the engine, while the filter draws 40% more air from a
dry location in one of the front fenders, which then blends with the cooler air
from the hood inlet before funneling into the diesel unit's combustion
chambers.
Apparently, in order to get the most out
of your engine in terms of performance, you need more than just cool air - you
need it to be clean and dry. This is why the 2017 Silverado HD's functional
hood scoop uses a unique air/water separator that ensures only
combustion-friendly dry air is drawn into the engine. After entering the
expansion chamber, the air charge does a sharp, 180-degree turn on its way to
the filter housing, creating a velocity change that builds heavy droplets out
of humidity or mist. The larger droplets are then flung centrifugally against
the outside wall of the housing, while the collected water drains through a
valve.
Chevrolet tested the effectiveness of
the system by gathering real-world data on misty rains to monsoon-level
downpours, but also from light snow conditions to wind-driven ice pellets or
desert dust to arctic cold.
